In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, AJ Hinton is joined by Ulises Ricoy, who was the Director of Outreach Initiatives at the University of Arizona (AZ, USA) at the time of this recording. Ulises has championed low-cost approaches to basic neuroscience research as well as educated underrepresented groups in STEM academia. In this episode, Ulises shares his journey to STEM, including how he developed his research and the value of diverse perspectives within that research. He also shares why not everyone is cut out to be a mentor and where to start with tackling representation in academia. Since the recording, Ulises has pursued other opportunities outside of academia. Contents: ● Meet Ulises and what drives his research 00:55–23:41 ● Why encouraging professional–personal balance can support diverse recruitment 23:42–43:00 ● What makes a mentor 43:01–55:38 ● Closing 55:39–56:46